The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held an international guest lecture in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Biology, Germany, on Monday, March 2, 2026. The event took place at the Venture Room, Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC), and featured Claire McCann, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker. She delivered a presentation titled “Evolutionary Genomics of Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis,” highlighting recent advances in the study of evolutionary genomics of plant pathogens, particularly bacteria affecting horticultural crops.
The lecture was conducted in an interactive format, encouraging participants to engage in discussions on pathogen evolution, infection mechanisms, and their implications for molecular-based plant disease management strategies. The session fostered a dynamic academic atmosphere, with active participation from attendees.
The event was also attended by undergraduate students from the Plant Protection Study Program, who participated as part of their coursework in Plant Pathogenic Prokaryotes. In addition, all students from the Master’s Program in Phytopathology were involved in this scientific forum to broaden their academic perspectives and gain insights into the latest research developments in plant pathology and horticultural science.
This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to research-based international learning. It also supports Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting scientific advancement and innovation in agricultural biotechnology, as well as Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between higher education institutions and global research organizations. Overall, the guest lecture contributes to strengthening human resource capacity and fostering international academic networks in support of sustainable agriculture.
